MMA is a form of fighting that incorporates martial arts styles from various disciplines. It requires extensive training and can be an incredibly difficult sport to master.
What is MMA?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport that draws from multiple fighting styles. As such, it has become hugely popular as an entertainment spectacle, with sold out arenas and millions of viewers tuning in to watch top fighters compete live on television.
Fighting arts such as boxing, wrestling, judo and jiu-jitsu can all be found within this combat sport.
Howard Rosenberg first coined the term mixed martial arts in 1993 while reviewing UFC 1 for The Washington Post.
Mixed martial arts allow fighters to use their arms and legs for striking, kick or grappling an opponent. However, head butting, gouging (thrusting a finger or thumb into an opponent’s eye), biting, hair pulling and groin attacks are prohibited.
Since its inception, MMA melbourne has made great strides. It is now a much safer sport with stringent regulations in place to safeguard fighters.
Origins
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the most beloved combat sports on Earth. Its roots can be traced back to Ancient Greece where warriors competed against one another in contests known as pankration – meaning “all powers.”
At its inception, MMA was a competition between various martial arts and techniques. Each fighter had to master their art and train hard in order to prove themselves against other practitioners of that discipline.
However, MMA quickly developed into a multidisciplinary style that combined striking and grappling from several different martial arts. This new multidisciplinary approach allowed fighters to utilize both their strengths and weaknesses for an edge over their opponent.
Nowadays, MMA is a tightly-regulated sport that puts safety first while still offering thrilling full-contact fights. It has also become the fastest growing sport in America and boasts an enviable pay-per-view business that rivals boxing or professional wrestling.
Rules
Mixed martial arts (MMA) fights are governed by rules. These regulations guarantee a fair competition environment and safeguard both fighters and spectators alike.
Fouls are any actions taken by a fighter that is illegal. Examples include spitting, hair pulling or kicking an opponent in the head when they are lying down.
The rules stipulate that fighters must wear approved shin guards and a mouthpiece. Chest protectors are optional, but must be approved by the promoter.
Fights consist of three rounds, each lasting no more than five minutes. Each round is scored by three judges and each promotion has its own point system.
Techniques
Mixed martial arts fighting utilize techniques drawn from an assortment of martial arts styles. These include boxing, jiu jitsu, judo, karate, muay thai and wrestling.
The striking portion of MMA involves punches, kicks, knee strikes and elbow strikes. It also incorporates clinching as well as various takedowns.
Strikers must also be able to defend against various submission holds such as chokes and strangleholds that could put their necks at risk.
Grapplers must learn how to catch and takedown their opponents in order to develop a strong ground game. This requires practice and proficiency on both sides of the mat.
Styles
Mixed martial arts fighters have access to a range of styles. These include Brazilian jiu jitsu, boxing, muay thai and wrestling.
Jiu jitsu has become one of the most beloved fighting styles in MMA, and its techniques are known for their success-ensuring strategies. Focusing on grappling and ground fighting techniques, skilled jiu jitsu practitioners possess an array of foolproof methods for victory.
Wrestling is a popular MMA style and the foundation of many successful mixed martial arts fighters. The constant movement and evasive footwork learned during training help combatants escape attacks while searching for opportunities to counterattack quickly.